5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (December 16-22)

Art by Art

December 16-22

No matter how small your home, condo or poorly lit basement suite is, you can find room for artwork from Ten Squared. This exhibition features art from over 100 Canadian artists, and every work is 10″ x 10″. Take a look at the online gallery for a taste of the masterpieces depicting everything from cars to birds to sunsets to still life, including the acrylic-on-canvas Harvest: A Conversation with Mother Nature by Rayne Ellycrys Benu, pictured above.

When: Monday, December 16 – Sunday, December 22
Where: Federation Gallery
Cost: Free
More Info: federationgallery.com

Macaulay Concert

December 18 & 20

You’ll be so excited to see Home Alone live with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra that you’ll leave your 8-year-old to fend off a ragtag team of burglars all on his own, which may distress you and strain your relationship with your spouse but ultimately prove to you all that the true meaning of Christmas is family and also maybe doing a head count before you get on the plane.

When: Wednesday, December 18 and Friday, November 20 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum
Cost: From $49
More Info: vancouversymphony.ca

Yes, Pliés

December 20-22

If you haven’t made Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker a December tradition, now’s the year to start. You can catch some behind-the-scenes quotes in our Modern Family column to learn everything from what it’s like to be the Nutcracker Prince to exactly how warm it is inside a little lamb costume. Sure, your attendance might risk the return of your chronic Rat King nightmares (or maybe that’s just me) but the adorable little mice and killer discipline of the dancers is worth it.

When: Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 22
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: From $46
More Info: gohnutcracker.com

Harry Christmas

December 19-21

A little owl told us the Geekender’s Magical Yule Ball is the perfect immersive experience for all of us who are still convinced our invitation to Hogwarts is lost in the mail. There’s a dress code (only your finest dress robes, of course) and familiar characters leading you through the yule ball of your dreams. You’ll find ghosts in the bathrooms, a wizard rock band, and a live tawny owl—perhaps you can ask her about your missing mail.

When: Thursday, December 19 – Sunday, December 21
Where: The Columbia New Westminster
Cost: $75
More Info: facebook.com

Vegan’s Greetings

December 19

Who needs a turkey when you can chow down on guilt-free, plant-based eats in the comfort of some cozy vegan clothing? The Vegan Night Market is throwing its second holiday party complete with food, drinks, bath and body care, and a zero-waste gift-wrapping station that you’ll want to tell your mom about. Shopping here is certainly more eco-conscious than shopping online, which is a great excuse totally unrelated to you being incredibly disorganized this year.

When:Thursday, December 19 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Hotel at the Waldorf
Cost: By donation, minimum $5
More Info: facebook.com